Algerian Navy takes delivery of training vessel

The Algerian Navy has received the El Mellah vessel from Poland, which will be used to train naval personnel.

The vessel arrived in Algiers in December and was commissioned by the Algerian Chief of Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence Ahmed Gaid Salah on 5 December.

El Mellah (938) was built by Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdansk, Poland. Its crew of 90 completed training in September, although the vessel can accommodate 222 sailors. A change of flag ceremony was held on 21 October. The vessel was originally launched on 7 November 2015 and began sea trials in July this year with a second round in September.

Now that it has been delivered, the vessel will be used for basic navigation and fresh recruit training as well as representing the Algerian Navy in international events.

The three-mast vessel is 110 metres long, 14.5 metres wide and has a draught of 8.6 metres. Total sail area is approximately 3 000 square metres, allowing the vessel to reach a speed of up to 17 knots. The vessel also has a diesel engine.